Xavier's School of Nursing adds family nurse practitioner track to its master's program

Applications are being accepted for the fall 2012 semester | June 20, 2012

Xavier’s School of Nursing has added a new concentration to its master’s-level nursing program. The family nurse practitioner track is designed to prepare registered nurses as nurse practitioners who focus on families and individuals across their lifespans.

As a family nurse practitioner (FNP), students will be prepared to apply family-centered preventive care, diagnosis and treatment, as well as health maintenance and management of chronic illness, to people in predominantly primary care settings.

The FNP track integrates the Master of Science in Nursing program and the nurse practitioner core courses with practicum experiences specific to the work of a family nurse practitioner. The course of study culminates with an immersion practicum in the role of the FNP.

“The School of Nursing developed the FNP track in response to the national need for increased numbers of primary care providers prepared and empowered to provide cost-effective access to safe, quality health care,” says Susan Schmidt, director of Xavier’s School of Nursing. “Practice settings include primary care practices, nurse-managed health centers and emerging delivery models. Outstanding doctorally prepared nurse practitioners are joining the Xavier nursing faculty, already known for teaching excellence, to offer this new FNP master's track.”

Students will complete 47 semester hours including 600 hours of practicum experiences. Registered nurses who already have a Master of Science in Nursing are eligible to apply for a post-master’s certificate program, which requires between 19 to 28 semester hours, depending upon the applicant’s previous completed course work.

Graduates will provide culturally competent, population-based preventive, management and maintenance care for acute and chronic conditions for the family unit. Graduates will sit for the FNP Certification Examination in order to apply for a state certificate of authority in advanced practice, as well as authority to prescribe as a board-certified FNP.

“The Family Nurse Practitioner Program is the latest example of our college adjusting to the needs of the health professions,” said Mark Meyers, dean of the College of Social Science, Health, and Education. “Building upon the outstanding programs in the School of Nursing, the FNP will provide another track for our graduates who wish to expand their own professional opportunities.”